2-02-2017, Djibouti: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Center of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) held a two-day innovation lab training workshop on developing and disseminating counter narratives as a tool for preventing and countering violent extremism.

The workshop brought together 40 participants drawn from youth groups and civil society organizations from the East African Region. The participants were equipped with skills on generating proactive alternative and counter narratives, developing a targeted message and audience, effectively promoting counter messaging campaigns and technical tips for creating content among others which are critical to designing youth-led counter messages targeting violent extremists’ narratives.

The participants were introduced to the Center’s Digital Hub, a key tool to be used for information sharing and which will provide a platform for developing and sharing messages and counter-messages aimed at delegitimizing extremist narratives.

During the lab training, the participants were able to use the acquired innovative skills to craft video and photographic campaigns for countering and providing alternative narratives

“I am excited to see such a vibrant group of youth at this first youth activity of the Center because we consider the youth to be critical to the fight against violent extremism in our region,” commented Presidential Advisor Dr. Ismail Wais during the opening of the lab.

“Please be assured that the government of Djibouti is fully committed to supporting the activities of this very important Center as it consolidates its work to counter violent extremist in our region.” Dr. Wais added.